In the FARMS Review 19/1 (2007), Dan Peterson writes in response to Roger D. Launius’ criticism of Richard Bushman’s Rough Stone Rolling. 

On page xxxix of the Introduction, Peterson writes,

Unsurprisingly, Launius rejects the antiquity of the Book of Mormon.  To question the book’s historicity, he announces, “does not cast into doubt the legitimacy of the religion nearly so much as Bushman seems to believe.  All religions–all ideologies–are predicated on myth and symbol and they are not any less useful, compelling, and true because of it.”

I strongly disagree with Launius.

Interestly, Peterson responds,

Well, yes and no.  Would it really make no difference to Christianity, say, if it were somehow proven that the resurrection, and indeed the life, of Jesus Christ were mere fiction?  Would the zeal of Christians around the world continue unabated in such a case?  That seems highly unlikely.  Are liberal Christian denominations prospering?  It will not, I hope, be considered uncharitable for me to observe that the contrasting historical and demographic trajectories of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its more liberal “Reorganized” cousin, currently called the Community of Christ, strongly suggest that abandoning literal belief on core matters makes a palpable difference (xl).

Is the Community of Christ liberal?  Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headed in this direction?

On the blog, By Common Consent, read what Community of Christ scholar, David H., has to say.

And I pray for this family, today.

First, TT over at Faith Promoting Rumer asks a simple question, “Is Jesus a God in the NT?”

Secondly, though the LDS Sunday School Curriculum plan in the I-15 corridor has long ago left me in the dust on my current studies in John’s Gospel, I do desire to re-explore some of the questions that Jim F. presented back in March.  I deisire to work through his questions, one by one, on Jesus’ staggering discourse in John 5. (more…)

I am fervently praying for the six coal miners in Huntington, Utah.

Praying for your daddy, Ariana Sanchez.  Our church family has several prayer meetings through the week.  We will lift your family up to Almighty God.

The Shelley Pioneer newspaper put this news brief on the front page. (more…)

I always had imagined head members of FAIR as something akin to a recent picture that my pastor friend, Chris Leavell ministering in Ashton, captured over in Yellowstone Park: angry bison shaking dust from their fur and ready to charge.

So I needed to go and experience firsthand these people and their demeanor. Actually, Dan Peterson isn’t an angry bull. He even turned in his chair on Thursday and asked me, “So how are you doing with all this Mormon stuff?” I smiled and told him I had been reared in Southeastern Idaho. Living in a Mormon culture has been pretty much my experience for all my life.

But this is the first time that I have engaged personally with the “top defenders of the faith.” And I want to provide a closing recap alongside Tanya for those curious about another perspective. (more…)

I am back in Idaho Falls safe and sound.  FAIR staff treated me very well.  I have a lot of things floating through my mind tonight.  Soon I will post a recap on the conference.  I have left out some speakers and great matters of interest to both me and you.

But before I sign out, do you know the atheist, Mr. Hitchens? (more…)

William Hamblin and David Seely, authors of the new book, Solomon’s Temple, definitely win the award for the greatest and most beautiful variety of power point slides in their session, Solomon’s Temple:  Myth and History.

And for me as an evangelical Christian, Hamblin provides one of my favorite quotes on this topic.

For Christ is Priest, and Sacrifice and Altar and all – John Bunyan (more…)

I have never before heard this translation of John 1:1.

“In the ruling council was a spokesman, and the spokesman was among the gods and the spokesman was himself a God.”

John Hall quotes the translation of Hugh Nibley. (more…)